What is the purpose of confidentiality waivers or releases?

• A. To prevent any sharing of information with outside entities.
• B. To authorize sharing of information between agencies for safety and service coordination.
• C. To publicly release all case details.
• D. To extend confidentiality indefinitely.

Answer: (B)

Confidentiality waivers or releases exist to enable information to be shared when it helps keep someone safe and allows services to work together smoothly. They authorize specific people or agencies to exchange relevant details about a case, so children and families can get coordinated support from sources like child welfare, medical providers, schools, and sometimes law enforcement. These waivers define who can receive information, what can be shared, for what purpose, and for how long, while still protecting privacy and following applicable laws and policies. They are not about stopping sharing entirely, making everything public, or keeping information confidential forever. Instead, they create a controlled way for essential information to move between trusted professionals to assess risk, plan safety, and coordinate services.